80 years of the bikini: Cannes exhibition traces the evolution of swimwear
As the MarediModa fabric fair opens on Tuesday, The Lycra Company and two Italian fabric makers present a show on the history of the two-piece – with a focus on durability.
Archive image · Photo: Timantha102938 / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain (cropped and resized)
MarediModa, the trade fair for beachwear, underwear and athleisure fabrics and accessories, holds its 24th edition at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes from 27 to 29 October. More than 100 European manufacturers are showing materials for summer 2028. This year's edition marks an anniversary: the bikini turns 80.
The Lycra Company, an official partner of the fair, is curating the project "Designed to move. Built to last" with fabric makers Carvico and Jersey Lomellina. The exhibition traces swimwear from the 1960s to today, with illustrations by Italian artist Ileana Lucia Ferri. Arnaud Ruffin of The Lycra Company said the company is "convinced that durability is one of the most meaningful ways to support more responsible fashion."
Carvico is also presenting its trend book "Not just to seduce". The emerging-designer competition The Link received 133 entries, a sharp rise on 2025, with finalists showing on 28 October. Fair president Claudio Taiana calls MarediModa "the most important international meeting for the premium segment of the market."